My article in India Today

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Jazz Traditional Aerobic Exercise = Jazzercise
WHAT IT IS: In laymen terms Jazzercise is literally Jazz meets Exercise (aerobic). Fitness expert Kiran Sawhney is a big promoter and follower of jazzercise that's a combination of jazz dance and aerobic exercises. It's a feel-good workout that targets mostly the 35-50 age group. Though, it can be undertaken by people of any age group and is also a huge hit with kids.

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT: Jazzercise is usually a 60-minute group fitness class combining cardio sessions, strengthening, and stretching aiming at an all-encompassing, total body workout. It has taken moves from hip-hop, yoga, pilates, jazz dance, kickboxing, and resistance training and bundled their benefits into a one hour fitness plan that shows great results.

CREDENTIALS & BENEFITS: Focussing more on cardiovascular exercises, Jazzercise aims at getting the body in a sort of internal rhythm that makes one feel light, artistic and young. It increases the metabolism surely and slowly, continuing to pay off even after the session is over. Every Jazzercise class combines cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn mega calories (it burns anywhere between 300-500 calories per session), strength training to define muscles and strengthening your core, and stretching exercises to increase flexibility. It also includes using props to take you to the next level.

Through the use of hand-held weights, resistance tubes and balls, one gets a total body workout while blasting fat and having fun! The moves are simple enough for everyone to follow, so one doesn't have to worry about any dance experience or missing a step or two. In fact, it's a great way to let go of your inhibitions and come out feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, energised, and confident- all in one.

Thus, also a great fitness options for young kids, who don't feel like they are doing this for their body but see it more as a fun activity.

It's, however, not advisable for people with chronic heart conditions or blood pressure problems. Also, people with back and knee pain should first consult the instructor.